In underground wards, Israel’s nurses keep hospitals running under fire

Across the country, hospital wards have undergone dramatic transformations to keep patients and staff safe from continued missile attacks. Entire departments, including maternity wards, internal medicine units, and trauma wings, have been relocated into underground parking structures, which have been converted within hours into sterile, fully functioning medical spaces.

These rapid transitions have demanded extraordinary commitment from Israel’s nurses and medical staff, who have not only adapted to operating in sub‑optimal environments but have actively rebuilt their workplaces under fire.

Despite the constant threat, school closures, and the strain placed on families, nurses understand their essential role and continue to report for duty. Union leaders have spent the past week travelling to hospitals across Israel to observe conditions, reinforce morale, and ensure that all concerns are addressed swiftly. Shaul Skif, Chairman of the Israeli Nurses Union of the Histadrut, emphasised that while each region faces different challenges due to the missile barrages, one truth remains consistent across the country:

“Every hospital, regardless of location, has exceptional and dedicated staff who refuse to compromise on the sensitivity and professionalism their patients need, especially now.”

Our medical teams have been forced to deliver care under direct threat for far too long. They have shown remarkable resilience after Hospitals were targeted. The Histadrut Nurses Union is committed to maintaining constant communication with local worker committees to solve problems in real time, safeguard workers’ rights, ensure safe working conditions, and maintain the continuity of essential services.